16 May Tips for Reading through the Summer
As the school year draws to a close, it’s time to think about summer reading! While children might view summer as free time from schoolwork, reading during this period is incredibly important. According to Scholastic, “Researchers estimate that by the time a struggling reader reaches middle school, summer reading loss has accumulated to a two-year lag in reading achievement.”
With this in mind, summer can be a fantastic opportunity to encourage your child to read for pleasure, rather than as a chore. There are numerous ways to make reading enjoyable and engaging for them.
Start by setting some reading goals. Your child might be tired of hearing about the reading they’re expected to do over the summer. However, participating in our reading challenge, where kids can earn prizes, can be a great incentive. You can also challenge your child to read beyond their usual comfort zone, making it a motivating experience. The key is to make the goals challenging yet achievable, tailored to each child’s level.
Rather than treating reading like a chore, establish a reading routine. Remind them of their goals and create a schedule that supports them, such as reading for 20-30 minutes before bedtime or after breakfast. Consistent habits will help them develop preferences for certain types of books. If they’re struggling to reach their goals, it might be a sign that the book isn’t capturing their interest.
Take a trip to the library and encourage them to explore a new genre. Additionally, we offer a personalized book recommendation service. If they share their interests or dislikes with one of our librarians, we can suggest books they might never have considered otherwise.
For younger children, make reading fun by reading aloud together or acting out scenes from books. Consider creating a special “book nook” with blankets and pillows, where they can curl up and read comfortably. The goal is to nurture a love for reading through enjoyable experiences.
Lastly, lead by example and make time for your own reading. Children are more likely to read when they see you reading too. Join our Summer Reading Challenge and get involved. Share how much you’re reading and discuss your favorite books with your kids.
Sources and more information: https://www.scholastic.com/readingreport/summer.html
Written by Madelyn K., Youth Services Librarian
